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Steals coming easy for Angels opponents

ANAHEIM -- Tommy Hanson has never been known for his quick delivery. In fact, there was a game last season in which the Miami Marlins stole seven bases against the right-hander.

In Saturday's start against Baltimore, the Orioles swiped three bags -- none of which even drew a throw from catcher Chris Iannetta -- with Hanson on the mound. Baserunners are now a perfect 7-for-7 when attempting to steal a base off Hanson in 2013.

Orioles center fielder Adam Jones stole second twice off Hanson, the first of which came after the team had pitched out twice.

"I think the game dictated that they were going to attempt to steal in those situations," Iannetta said. "We obviously tried to prevent that. We tried to give ourselves a chance to throw a guy out in those situations, but obviously we were unsuccessful in doing so."

However, the inability to throw out a baserunner was not unique to Saturday's game.

In 23 stolen-base attempts, Angels' catchers have thrown out just three would-be basestealers. Iannetta is just 1-for-19 on the season while Hank Conger is 2-for-4.

Although Iannetta ranks 25th out of 25 qualified catchers in terms of runners caught stealing, a stolen base is often a product of the pitcher's delivery.

While it is no surprise that Hanson, who is currently tied with Tampa Bay's Roberto Hernandez for the most stolen bases allowed in baseball, has struggled to hold runners this season, opponents are also 4-for-4 against Joe Blanton. In 2012, Blanton only allowed eight stolen bases in 15 attempts.

"It's tough," Iannetta said. "You want to control the running game, you want to keep the double play in order and if you can get an out, you want to get an out. Those are things you want to accomplish and if it doesn't happen, it makes it a little bit harder."

William Boor is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.